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Annual gathering offers Realtors® education, inspiration, and casino-style entertainmentUNITE!, Minnesota Realtors® (MNR) annual convention for the state’s real estate professionals, returns to Mystic Lake Event Center in Prior Lake this fall. Running from September 21 – 22, the two-day event will offer continuing education classes, a leadership installation dinner, and an expo featuring businesses that cater to the real estate industry. The lineup of national and local speakers includes, Dr. Bernice King, CEO of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center For Nonviolent Social Change, and daughter of the late civil rights leader.
“As we return to a more normal pace after two years of disruption, it’s important that we take time to gather, reflect, share, and embrace opportunities to learn and develop our professional capabilities,” said Jason Miller, president of MNR. “UNITE! offers all these things and more. Not only is it an important forum for our careers and businesses, it’s a place where we celebrate our success, embrace our diversity, and shape the future of the real estate industry in our state.”
Special guests include, Tru Pettigrew, chief diversity and inclusion officer for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx. His organization, Tru Access, helps organizations bridge gaps across areas that cause division, dysfunction, and separation. The convention’s closing session features a Q & A with Dr. Bernice King, whose initiative, Nonviolence365
™️ (NV365), promotes nonviolent social change through policy, advocacy, and research, as well as education and training. Other speakers include Sean Carpenter, a Realtor® and former director of Training and Development for NRT Ohio, who will share tips for getting more listings.
Bill Lublin, a Realtor® and former chair of the National Association of Realtors’® (NAR) Trends and Emerging Technologies Advisory Board, will explore the technology and finances of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Mary Johnson-Pallin, a Stillwater-based real estate coach and sales trainer will discuss techniques for keeping buyers engaged and consider ways for agents to protect their commissions. Abhi Golhar, a nationally syndicated Wall Street Business Radio host, and TEDx speaker, will provide insights into social media marketing trends.
UNITE! attendees will also have an opportunity to roll up their sleeves and participate in a hands-on charitable event for Bridging, a non-profit organization that provides donated furniture and household goods to families and individuals transitioning out of homelessness and poverty. During the session, volunteers will assemble dressers that will be donated to those in need.
At the Installation dinner on Wednesday night (Sep. 21), MNR President Jason Miller will preside over the ceremony that officially inaugurates the association’s new leadership for 2023. Emily Green will be installed as president, and Geri Theis will be inducted as president-elect. Additionally, a new first-vice president position has been created, and the treasurer’s term has been expanded to two years. In August, the MNR Board of Directors will elect leaders for these roles. Also, awards recipients for the 2022 Realtor® of the Year, Ed Anderson Political Achievement Award, and the Good Neighbor Award will be announced.
On the last day of UNITE! (Sep. 22), there will be an expo with 50 vendors, including mortgage, title, jewelry businesses and others that specialize in supporting real estate businesses.
Early Bird registration runs through August 18 at $175 for both days. Members who only want to attend for one day can register for $150 during the Early Bird period. After that, the fee increases to $200 for both days and is available until September 20. If available, Late and Onsite registration will be offered for $250.
Accommodations are available at the Mystic Lake Hotel at the special MNR member rate of $159 plus tax for a king, and $250 for a suite. The hotel is connected to the convention center and the casino. The Mystic Lake complex includes numerous restaurants, cafes, bars, and entertainment venues. When booking, members should mention they are with MNR’s UNITE! convention to receive the discounted rates.
For the latest information on UNITE!, visit www.mnrunite.com.